How Does the Banking System Operate Return to top
In comparison to the rest of the Arab world and Africa, Morocco continues to modernize its relatively comprehensive banking system, originally modeled after the French system. There are 16 banks in the country plus five government-owned specialized financial institutions, about 30 credit agencies and about 12 leasing companies. The bank reform law of 1993 laid out parameters for banking activities, clarified oversight and control responsibilities, specified legal penalties for violations of banking regulations and established a deposit guarantee fund. Pending banking reform legislation will further liberalize the sector and improve oversight coordination and lines of authority.
Since financial liberalization, credit is allocated freely, and the central bank has used indirect methods to control the interest rate and volume of credit. The banking system is still used by the government to channel domestic savings to finance government debt, and banks are required to hold part of their assets in bonds paying below market interest rates.
Morocco's banking sector is stronger, and the private sector's role is more active, than in many other African countries. The potential in this sector is great, as it is estimated that only 47% of the population use banks.
The Casablanca Stock Exchange is one of the largest and most important in Africa. Privatized in 1996, the CSE is managed by 13 brokerage companies and regulated by an independent oversight commission similar to the SEC.
For more information on foreign exchange, please see below and check “Efficient Capital Markets” under Chapter 6.